We are determined to strengthen Indonesia, Türkiye partnership: President Subianto
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (R) hold a joint press conference after a signing ceremony for agreements in Bogor, Indonesia on February 12, 2025. (Turkish Presidency / Murat Kula - Anadolu Agency)
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the strength and resilience of the Türkiye-Indonesia partnership during the first Türkiye-Indonesia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting.
Subianto stated his commitment to strengthening political and economic ties between the two nations.
Strategic cooperation meeting reinforces bilateral ties
Speaking at the meeting, held at the Bogor Presidential Palace with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in attendance, Subianto expressed his gratitude, stating, “Today’s meeting is proof of the strength and resilience of the Indonesia-Türkiye partnership. I am committed, alongside Indonesia’s political leadership, to making this relationship even stronger, more robust, and closer.”
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Indonesia. Subianto highlighted that the historical ties between the two nations date back to the Ottoman era, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections.
Focus on trade and economic collaboration
Subianto underscored the need to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation, calling for a formal trade agreement between the two nations.
“Indonesia and Türkiye do not yet have a bilateral trade agreement. Therefore, we must work together to finalize this deal as soon as possible to strengthen our economies,” he said.
He also noted that while trade between the two countries has been growing, there is significant potential for expansion. “We desire an increase in trade between Indonesia and Türkiye and believe it will continue to rise in the near future. We will work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial, and reinforcing commercial relationship.”
Growing defense industry partnership
On defense cooperation, Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s interest in deepening collaboration with leading Turkish defense firms such as Roketsan, ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, and Baykar. “We have already established a strong partnership with these prominent Turkish defense companies,” he said.
Recalling his meeting with Turkish defense industry leaders in December 2024 in Istanbul, Subianto highlighted the progress made in military cooperation.
“I appreciate President Erdogan’s support in facilitating these meetings. Our defense industry collaboration will continue to advance significantly,” he added.
Subianto also emphasized Indonesia’s willingness to participate in Türkiye’s ongoing defense programs and called for further joint production initiatives. “We are eager to continue joint production efforts in the defense sector and seek President Erdogan’s support in fostering joint ventures between Indonesian and Turkish companies.”
Commitment to strengthening diplomatic and strategic cooperation
At a joint press conference following his meeting with Erdogan, Subianto reiterated his country’s commitment to reinforcing its relationship with Türkiye. “We are determined to strengthen the partnership between Indonesia and Türkiye,” he stated.
Emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations, Subianto remarked, “Indonesia and Türkiye have shared diplomatic relations for centuries, and our connection has remained strong since the Ottoman era.”
Additionally, Subianto expressed his country’s willingness to enhance defense industry cooperation further. “We want to provide more support for Türkiye-Indonesia defense industry collaboration efforts,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2050
Subianto concluded his remarks by highlighting long-term goals for Türkiye-Indonesia cooperation. “The year 2050 will be a pivotal milestone in preparing for the 100th anniversary of the Indonesia-Türkiye partnership,” he stated.
